Roasting Pumpkin In An Air Fryer: Easy, Quick, Delicious!

Pumpkins are a versatile ingredient, great for pies, lanterns, soups, and even air fryer roasting! The air fryer is a perfect way to cook pumpkin, resulting in a tender, slightly crisp, sweet, and caramelized dish. This method is also healthier, using less oil, and quicker than traditional oven roasting.

How to prepare a pumpkin for roasting in an air fryer

Preparing a pumpkin for roasting in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wash and Dry the Pumpkin:

Start by washing the exterior of the pumpkin to remove any dirt. You can use water and a gentle cloth or kitchen tissue paper to clean the surface. Once cleaned, dry the pumpkin with a kitchen towel or tissue paper.

Cut and Deseed the Pumpkin:

Place the pumpkin on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the pumpkin in half vertically. Pumpkins have thick skin, so make sure to use a sharp knife and be careful while cutting. After cutting, use a spoon to scoop out and remove the seeds and fibres from both halves. You can choose to keep the seeds aside to roast them later as a snack.

Peel and Cut into Wedges or Cubes:

At this stage, you can choose to peel the pumpkin or keep the peel on, depending on your preference. If you decide to peel, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin. Then, cut the pumpkin into wedges or cubes. For wedges, aim for a thickness of about 1 to 2 inches. For cubes, cut the pumpkin into uniform bite-sized pieces.

Marinate or Season the Pumpkin:

In a large bowl, add the pumpkin wedges or cubes. You can marinate them with a simple mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and your choice of spices like garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or herb seasoning. Toss the pumpkin pieces well until they are evenly coated with the marinade or seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to preheat at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Preheating ensures that the air fryer basket is nice and hot before adding the pumpkin. This step may take around 5 minutes.

Arrange the Pumpkin in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the seasoned pumpkin pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly. If you have a large quantity of pumpkin, you may need to cook in batches.

Air Fry the Pumpkin:

Close the air fryer and cook the pumpkin for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of your air fryer. Halfway through the cooking time, pull out the basket, shake it, or use tongs to flip the pumpkin pieces to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the pumpkin's progress to avoid overcooking.

Check for Doneness and Serve:

The roasted pumpkin is ready when the edges are crispy and golden brown, and the insides are tender. You can use a fork to check the tenderness of the pumpkin flesh. Once done, transfer the roasted pumpkin to a serving plate and enjoy!

The best types of pumpkins for roasting

When choosing a pumpkin for roasting, it's important to select a variety that is both flavorful and has a good texture. Here are some of the best types of pumpkins for roasting:

Sugar Pumpkins

Also known as pie pumpkins, these small, round pumpkins are a popular choice for cooking due to their sweet, smooth flesh. They are perfect for making pumpkin puree or using in pies and other baked goods. Sugar pumpkins are also suitable for air frying, as they have less water content than larger carving pumpkins.

Baby Pam Pumpkins

These pumpkins are slightly larger than the Baby Bear variety, weighing in at three to four pounds. They have a deep orange colour and a dry, starchy, string-less flesh that makes them ideal for baking in pies. Their dry flesh also helps to create a denser pie filling.

New England Pie Pumpkins

This variety of pumpkin has a string-less, sugary flesh that is perfect for making a thick filling for pies.

Long Island Cheese Pumpkins

Long Island Cheese pumpkins have an oblong shape that resembles a wheel of cheese. They are a good choice for eating and cooking, though they are less commonly found in stores.

Cinderella and Fairytale Pumpkins

These pumpkins have round, flat shapes and hard, thick skins. Despite their tough exterior, they are still suitable for roasting and have a good flavour.

When selecting a pumpkin for roasting, it's also important to look for one with a healthy stem, free of deep nicks, bruises, and soft spots. The pumpkin should feel heavy for its size, which indicates that it's ripe and has a thick, mature wall. Smaller pumpkins generally have smoother, less stringy flesh, so opt for a pumpkin between four to eight pounds.

Step-by-step guide to roasting pumpkin in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin (approximately 23 oz) or 1 kg (2.2 lb) of pumpkin
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Additional seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, cinnamon, paprika, oregano, thyme, rosemary)

Instructions:

• Prepare the pumpkin: Wash the outside of the pumpkin to remove any dirt and dry it with a kitchen towel. Place the pumpkin on a cutting board and cut it in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and fiber, and then cut the pumpkin into 1-inch wedges or cubes. You can choose to peel the pumpkin or leave the skin on, depending on your preference.
• Season the pumpkin: In a large bowl, add the pumpkin wedges or cubes and coat them with olive oil or avocado oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, as well as any additional seasonings you prefer. Toss the pumpkin pieces well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F-400°F (190°C-200°C). If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply start it and let it run for 5 minutes to preheat.
• Cook the pumpkin: Place the seasoned pumpkin in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the pieces are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly. Cook the pumpkin for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your wedges or cubes. Halfway through the cooking time, pull the basket out and use tongs to flip the pumpkin pieces over. Continue cooking until the edges are crispy and the insides are tender.
• Serve: Once the pumpkin is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate or bowl. Enjoy it as a side dish, salad topping, or even as a snack!

Tips:

• Choose a sweet and flavorful pumpkin variety, such as a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin, for the best results.
• When cutting the pumpkin, use a sharp knife and hold the pumpkin steady to ensure a clean cut.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pumpkin in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• You can adjust the cooking time depending on the size and shape of your pumpkin pieces. For example, if you cut the pumpkin into fries, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.

How long to roast pumpkin in an air fryer

Roasting pumpkin in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook this versatile vegetable, which is packed with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It's a great way to get that perfect tender texture and caramelised edges.

The length of time you roast pumpkin in an air fryer depends on how you cut the pumpkin and the temperature you set your air fryer to. If you are cooking at 380°F/190°C, you should roast the pumpkin for 18-20 minutes. If you are cooking at 400°F/200°C, you should roast the pumpkin for 15-18 minutes. If you are cooking at 350°F/180°C, you should roast the pumpkin for 20 minutes.

However, it's important to remember that all air fryers are different, so you should keep an eye on your pumpkin to make sure it doesn't burn. You can also shake the basket or flip the pumpkin halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Before cooking, you should cut the pumpkin into cubes, wedges or fries. Remember to wash the pumpkin and remove the seeds. You can choose to peel the pumpkin or leave the skin on, but make sure to remove all the fibres either way.

You can also experiment with different seasonings to add flavour to your roasted pumpkin. Some popular options include salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and rosemary.

Serving suggestions for roast pumpkin

Roasted pumpkin is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions for roasted pumpkin:

As a Side Dish

Roasted pumpkin makes an excellent side dish to grilled chicken, steak, or baked fish. It can also accompany a roast, such as roast beef, pork, or chicken. It goes well with a range of other dishes, including casseroles, crumbed chicken, sausages, and steak.

In Salads

Add some roasted pumpkin to a mixed green salad, perhaps with feta cheese and a balsamic glaze, or use it as a topping for a heartier salad, like a Tuscan Panzanella salad.

With Dips

Serve roasted pumpkin with a dip such as Greek yoghurt, hummus, or a creamy sauce or tangy salsa.

In Soups

Roasted pumpkin can be used to make a tasty soup, such as a curried pumpkin soup or roasted pumpkin soup.

As a Pizza Topping

Use roasted pumpkin as a topping for a fall-inspired pizza, along with caramelized onions and goat cheese.

As a Snack

Roasted pumpkin is delicious on its own as a snack, perhaps with a dip or some seasoning. You can also sprinkle it with maple syrup, honey, or Parmesan cheese.

For Breakfast

Add some roasted pumpkin to your morning oatmeal or yoghurt, or make a roasted pumpkin, avocado, goat cheese, and honey sandwich on rye bread.

Frequently asked questions